File No. 837.61351/167
The Minister in Cuba ( Gonzales ) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to report that some weeks ago, receiving through Army Intelligence a report, coming from British and French sources, that the enemy would attempt to destroy sugar stored in Cuba, I called on the President and informed him of the reported danger, and asked that measures be taken for the protection of the sugar.
On September 7, it being reported to me that the private warehouse of a Spaniard at Cardenas had been destroyed by fire, causing the loss of between one and a half million and two million dollars’ worth of sugar, I sent a special messenger in my automobile with a note to the President who was in the country, calling attention to the seeming verification of our report as to the purpose of the enemy.
On the evening of September 9, having a report of the destruction by fire of the machine shops and electrical apparatus of the Hershey Sugar Mill, I communicated the same night, in a similar manner, with President Menocal, who was in the country.
In each instance the President sent me a verbal message. Under date of September 10, I received from the secretary to the President the following communication:
Habana, September 10, 1918.
Honorable Sir: Pursuant to instructions from His Excellency the President, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 7 and 9 instant in reference to the Arechavala sugar warehouse and the Hershey sugar-estate fires.
In reply His Excellency directs me to state that orders were given some time ago, in accordance with your suggestion, to keep a strict watch on all sugar warehouses and sugar factories in order to guard against any criminal attempt.
[Page 358]Notwithstanding the fact that from the investigations made thus far, it does not appear that the fires in question were of incendiary nature, but rather accidental, His Excellency has given very strict orders to adopt every necessary measure to fully protect all the sugar factories and estates throughout the Island.
Yours very truly,
Rafael Montoro
Secretary to the President
I understand that the Rural Guards and the Army have been charged with the duty of protecting sugar warehouses and mills.
I have [etc.]